What is HCG?

HCG also known as Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is a hormone that is produced during the pregnancy period by the placenta. Its production starts immediately after the egg attaches itself to the uterine wall. HCG helps in the prevention of the disintegration of the corpus luteum present in the ovary. With the above function it makes sure the production of the most essential pregnancy hormone known as progesterone.

Things to remember about the HCG levels:

It is very essential to keep a regular check upon the HCG levels during the pregnancy period. Both a low level and a high level can cause some complications during the pregnancy period and thus, special care should be taken to maintain a regular level.

The HCG level doubles in a time period of about 48 to 72 hours in the 85 percent of the normal pregnancies but as the day’s passes by the doubling rate decreases to about 96 hours. Sometimes a normal pregnancy may be having a low HCG level but may result in no complications or a perfect healthy baby. A level of 5mlU/ml is considered to be low or negative HCG level and anything above 25mlU/ml is considered as a positive level for a perfect pregnancy. It should be remembered that a single HCG reading does not provide with enough information regarding the diagnosis that is to be prescribed. For getting the best information regarding the health of the pregnancy the best way is to go for multiple HCG testings that will provide with accurate and exact data. There are basically tow types of HCG tests done, the first one is a qualitative one and detects the presence of the HCG in the blood. The second one a quantitative one measures the amount of HCG present in the blood. Â

Levels of HCG in the pregnancy period:

The HCG level rises steeply during the first 14 to 16 weeks of the last menstrual period and doubles in every 48 to 72 hours. After this time the level of HCG keeps on decreasing. In the early period when the HCG level raises steadily it provides a lot of information regarding the pregnancy and the health of the infant. After getting pregnant the HCG level lowers down to zero. The HCG levels in the body can be easily known through the quadruple screening test or the maternal serum. All the above tests are conducted and measured three to four substances in the blood of the expectant mother. These tests are basically used to estimate any problems that the infant might face. The beta-HCG, alpha-fetoprotein can be measured with the help of the triple screening process and the hormone inhibin-A can be measured with the help of the quad screen test.